Text:
Proverbs 11:1-10
Memory Verse:
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness
delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4).
Despite being the richest man that ever lived, Solomon penned the futility of riches in saving men from the wrath of God. However, what riches could not do, righteousness has achieved saving men from the inescapable judgement of God.
The pursuit of riches at the expense of righteousness has been the death trap of
men from time immemorial – “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition”(1 Timothy 6:9-10). Righteousness simply means being in right standing with God. Surrendering your life to Him and believing in Him. Righteousness guarantees your escape from the wrath of God. For example:
1. Noah was saved from divine wrath that was unleashed to destroy the first world because he was just and perfect in his generation and walked with God (Genesis 6:8-9).
2. Caleb escaped the wrath of God that wasted most of the Israelites bound for the Promised Land (those who were his age mates) in the wilderness because he fully followed God.
3. Phinehas stopped God from unleashing his wrath further on unrighteous Israelites at Baal-Peor – “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal” (Numbers 25:10-11).
When you pursue, possess and practice righteousness, God will protect and preserve you from His wrath and judgement now and in eternity! So, pursue, possess and practice righteousness.
Prayer Points:
1. O Lord, grant me grace to pursue, possess and practice righteousness.
2. Holy Spirit, please deliver me from divine wrath and judgement now and in eternity
